Zucchini Blossoms Stuffed With Ricotta And Basil

• 1 dozen zucchini flowers, freshly picked
• 12 ounces fresh ricotta, the best you can get
• 5 ounces grated sheep's cheese, or use Parmesan or Grana Padano
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup shallot, very finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/3 cup chiffonade of fresh basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup very flavorful olive oil

1. For the filling, combine ricotta, egg yolks, cheese, shallot, garlic, and basil in a small bowl, salt and pepper to taste.
2. Divide the filling into 12 parts, and with a very small spoon, fill each blossom, folding the petals over the filling so that each flower encloses its inner treasure.
3. Set the stuffed blossoms in an oiled baking pan. When you have filled all the blossoms, drizzle the olive oil evenly over all the flowers.
4. Preheat the oven to 350u0b0 and bake the blossoms for about 20 minutes if male blossoms, slightly longer for female blossoms, until the flowers are golden brown, and the baby zucchini are tender if using female blossoms.
5. These are best served lukewarm. You can fill the blossoms ahead of time, even the night before you wish to serve them. Bake about 40 minutes before serving, and allow to cool a bit before you plate them.

zucchini flowers, fresh ricotta, s cheese, egg yolks, shallot, garlic, chiffonade of fresh basil, salt, very flavorful olive oil

Taken from food52.com/recipes/11653-zucchini-blossoms-stuffed-with-ricotta-and-basil (may not work)